Were the Romans drinking hootch 2,000 years ago?

September 13. 2024

According to a recent article at The Archaeologist, a fully intact ancient Roman boiler has been found at an excavation outside Pompeii, the Villa della Pisanella.

Made of bronze with lead pipes, the boiler is the only known of its kind.

The article goes on to note that “the Roman boiler unearthed at the Villa della Pisanella stands out as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient world. Unlike most archaeological finds, which are often incomplete or damaged, this boiler was discovered intact, complete with its intricate network of pipes, valves, and accessories. The boiler was equipped with functional taps to regulate water flow using a valve mechanism that operated via a 90-degree rotation. This system was not only efficient but also remarkably similar to modern plumbing standards.”

So what did they use this boiler for? No one really knows, but it’s interesting to think of the old Romans settling down for a quick one after a hard days’ work.

#romanhistory #archaeology #history